Volleyball Dream Team: Seacoast teams once again made some noise

DOVER — Few, if any, area sports can match the continued success enjoyed by Seacoast volleyball teams, and 2012 was another example of that success.

Six area teams made it to at least the semifinals in the three divisions. In Division I, Dover enjoyed its best season by going 17-4 overall, which included the first two playoff wins in program history. They were led by Foster’s player of the year Molly Wotton and all-state setter Abby Harte.

In D-II, three local teams were among the four in the semifinals. St. Thomas, led by the Chrisom sisters, CC and Maria, went 19-1 overall, beating Coe-Brown in the final four and losing to Gilford in a championship rematch. Oyster River, paced by Dream Teamers Katie Sylvia and Shauna Bulger, also made the semis after a slow start marred by injuries.

In D-III, Nute and Farmington advanced to the round of four. For the Tigers it was their fifth straight trip, while the Rams were back in the semis after a two-year hiatus. Nute, led by setter Michelle Guindon and a strong cast of underclassmen, advanced to the final before losing to Winnisquam.

Spaulding lost in the D-I first round, while Somersworth fell in the D-II quarters, as did PCA in D-III.

How the team is picked: Area coaches nominate players from their teams and offer input for coach of the year and player of the year. The sports staff makes the final Dream Team selections.

MOLLY WOTTON

Dover

The versatile junior outside hitter was instrumental in Dover’s landmark season. A three-time all-state pick in D-I, she was named D-I player of the year in 2012 as well as the Gatorade New Hampshire player of the year. She led the Green Wave with 272 kills, 76 aces and 44 blocks.

“I could put her at any spot on the floor and she would play phenomenally,” said coach Colleen Harte. “She’s that versatile.”

KRISTIE HOLTZ

St. Thomas Aquinas

Holtz guided the Saints to the best season in program history. The Saints went 19-1 overall, advancing to the Division II championship for the second straight year and losing again to Gilford. Their run included 19 straight wins a two-year record of 38-4.

“She continues to show why STA has been atop the Division II rankings, by proving that defense cannot only win games, but also dominate the division,” said Oyster River coach Dan Brodeur. “She’s the most underrated coach I’ve come across.”

MARISSA PEART

Farmington

The senior outside hitter led Farmington to an 16-3 mark and a fifth straight trip to the D-III semis. She was named D-III player of the year, leading the Tigers with 276 kills, reaching the 500 kill career mark on Oct. 17, which she did with only two of her three years as a full-time player. She added 233 digs.

“Marissa was an offensive powerhouse and the complete package,” said Farmington coach Jenn Kuehl. “She scored almost half of our team’s points single-handedly. She was extremely consistent and capable of hitting from anywhere on the court and then putting the ball virtually anywhere on the court. Teams were unable to find a way to contain her.

KATIE SYLVIA

Oyster River

The senior outside hitter and captain led OR to the semis and was named D-II First Team All-State. She had a team-high 221 kills, as well as 31 aces and 189 digs, cresting the 500 career mark in both kills and digs.

“She was a leader on the court, always striving to get better,” said coach Brodeur. “She had excellent range, control and power.”

LIZ PEABODY

Coe-Brown

The senior outside hitter led the Bears to the D-II semis and was named D-II First Team All-State for the second straight season, as well as the Dream Team. She led the team with 178 kills and 235 digs.

“She led Coe-Brown to the semis with her highly talented all-around play,” said coach Rick Veno, “both defensively and offensively.”

SHADAI GOSSELIN

Somersworth

The senior outside hitter led the Hilltoppers to a superb second-half turnaround, which saw them go from 2-6 to 9-7, advancing to the D-II quarterfinals. She led the Hilltoppers with 171 kills and 244 digs, and was a repeat selection to the D-II All-State First Team and the Dream Team.

“Her leading by example pushed us the second half of the season,” said coach Steve Hodsdon. “It’s nice when the best player on the team is also your hardest worker.”

CECILIA CHRISOM

St. Thomas Aquinas

The senior outside hitter was named D-II co-player of the year and earned first team all-state honors for the second straight year. She had 223 kills and 199 digs, leading the Saints to a 19-1 record and second straight trip to D-II championship. She’s one of the most versatile players in the state.

“She was a leader on the court, a solid, consistent, all-around player with both great defensive and offensive skills, and our go-to player,” said coach Holtz.

ABRA ROBERTS

Portsmouth Christian

The senior outside hitter led the Eagles to the Division III quarterfinals and earned D-III First Team All-State honors. Roberts ended her PCA career with 551 kills, 683 digs and 164 aces.

“She is an enthusiastic team leader and great teammate,” said PCA Athletic Director Derek Summers. “She is a very skilled player, but her passion for the game took her to the next level.”

ABBY HARTE

Dover

The senior setter led Dover with 530 assists, and 66 kills, earning D-I All-State First Team honors. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at Stonehill College. She finished her career with 910 assists.

“She’s been a four-year starter and regarded by many coaches as one of the best setters in the state,” said coach Harte. “She’s an unselfish player, able to fill any role needed on the team.”

MICHELLE GUINDON

Nute

The junior setter led the Rams with 484 assists, while adding 137 digs and 46 aces. She led the team to the D-III championship and was named D-III All-State First Team.

“She always had a positive attitude, knew where her teammates were supposed to be in rotation, and really ran our offense,” said coach Kristin Wilson.

MARIA CHRISOM

St. Thomas Aquinas

The junior libero had 336 digs and earned D-II First Team All-State honors, and was pivotal in leading the Saints to their second straight D-II final.

“Everything in volleyball starts with a good pass and Maria’s strong defense was a big contribution to the team’s success,” said coach Holtz.

SHAUNA BULGER

Oyster River

The senior libero and captain earned second team all-state honors in D-II, leading Bobcats with 226 digs. She finished her career with 503 digs.

“She was one of the top defensive players in Division II,” said coach Brodeur. “She forced teams to hit around her if they wanted to score.”

GABBY CONNELLY

Spaulding

The senior libero earned D-I Second Team All-State honors. She had 300 digs and 30 aces and a 93 serving pct. in leading the Red Raiders to the D-I tournament with a 10-8 record.

“Gabby is a consummate team player with a never-say-die attitude,” said coach George Pendleton. “She will play until the lights go out. She will do anything for the team to be successful.”

HEIDI CLOUTIER, Nute — She was named D-III Second Team All-State. The junior middle hitter had 155 kills, 62 blocks and 49 aces. LEXI STRONG, Somersworth — The junior libero had 243 digs and surpassed 500 career digs. She was honorable mention in Division II. REGINA MASTROBATTISTA, St. Thomas — The senior outside hitter had 189 digs and 98 kills and was named D-II Second Team All-State. EMMA EASLER, Coe-Brown — The sophomore middle hitter had 120 kills and 68 blocks and was named D-II Second Team All-State. EMILY WHITNEY, Portsmouth — Senior libero was three-year varsity player and named D-II All-State Second Team.